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A WEST Midlands Police officer will have to retrain in the use of weapons after being labelled 'reckless' by his force after striking a Blues fan with a baton.

The 44-year-old supporter suffered a broken hand after being hit outside Villa Park before Aston Villa’s Capital One Cup derby match with Birmingham City in September.

The incident was captured on video by the Blues fan, who was left unable to work for four months.

The footage was handed to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which concluded the officer involved had a case to answer for misconduct.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Carmichael, from West Midlands Police’s Professional Standards Department, said the use of force by the officer was ‘justified’ - but admitted the way the baton strike was executed was ‘reckless’.

Officers outside Villa Park ahead of the derby match with Birmingham City

He said: “I reviewed the circumstances of the complaint, which was investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission and concluded that the officer in question did have a case to answer in respect of the way force was used.

“The PC concerned defended the baton strike as reasonable, proportionate and necessary, as he feared for his safety and that of his colleagues. He used the level of force that he did to knock a light source from the complainant’s hand after being momentarily blinded in what was a volatile situation.

“However, although the use of force was justified, I believe the way the strike was executed was reckless and could have caused serious injury to the complainant or a passer-by.

"As such, I have decided that the officer should re-train in the use of his personal safety equipment including baton strikes and general use of force.”

He added: “We expect the highest standards of professionalism from our officers and we fully investigate all complaints, taking necessary action if they are upheld.

“All complaints provide valuable opportunities to learn from errors and mistakes and we constantly review policies, procedures and officer training to improve our performance and the service we offer to the public.”

An IPCC spokesman said: “West Midlands Police has since decided the officer will receive management words of advice as well as retraining in first aid and the use of force.”

The victim had previously told the Mail he had done nothing wrong and was not arrested, charged or even spoken to by police. He said: “It was totally unprovoked and totally reckless. I could have a had a small child next to me.

“None of the other officers had their batons raised and I was not a threat to anybody. I was simply filming the atmosphere as we queued to get into the stadium.

“I have had to live on just £68 per week of statutory sick pay because I have been unable to return to work. I have effectively had to rely on friends and family to help keep my head above water.